Witness Says Yoshitha Rajapaksa Inspected Rs. 34 Million Mount Lavinia Property

COLOMBO (News 1st): A witness today revealed to the Colombo High Court that Yoshitha Rajapaksa, along with his then-girlfriend, had inspected the property in Mount Lavinia, before it was purchased under the name of Daisy Forrest, for a value exceeding Rs. 34 million.

The Colombo High Court today continued recording evidence in the case filed by the Attorney General against Yoshitha Rajapaksa, accusing him of committing an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act by allegedly acquiring five plots of land valued at over Rs. 73 million through unlawful means.

The evidence was recorded before Colombo High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga.

Four prosecution witnesses testified today under the guidance of Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara.

A witness, Lushan (Lushaan) Rathnayake, told court that he had sold his property for Rs. 34 million to a person identified as Daisy Forest, who he said was the grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa.

The witness then revealed in court that he later learned that the buyer was Daisy Forest, when the deed was being signed at a private bank in Rajagiriya. 

Another witness of the prosecution, Wasantha Jayasuriya, told court that the Rs. 34 million required to purchase the land had been brought to the bank in a bag.

He also revealed to court that Yoshitha Rajapaksa's then girlfriend, Yasara Abeynayake was his relative. 

Jayasuriya told court that at the time, his relative Yasara was about to marry Yoshitha Rajapaksa. 

He had later informed Rajapaksa about the land in Sirimal Uyana, which Rajapaksa confirmed his interest of purchase for, which later was bought by Rajapaksa. 

Jayasuriya added that pn the day of signing, the full amount required for the purchase was brought to the bank by a person who appeared to be a security officer, carrying the money in a travelling bag and that the entire amount was paid in cash. 

During the proceedings, Yasara Abeynaike also testified before court today.

She stated that during their relationship, Yoshitha Rajapaksa had told her that a house located on Mihindu Mawatha, Mount Lavinia, belonged to his grandmother, and that they had visited the property.

The High Court Judge fixed July 17 for further evidence in the case and issued summons for the prosecution witnesses to appear before court on that date.